Indiana has one district office in Indianapolis. Due to the current health crisis, however, the office is not open for in-person visits and all interviews are being conducted by telephone. To schedule an appointment, please call or email your local EEOC office or use the EEOC Public Portal.
What Does the EEOC Do?
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, is a government agency that investigates complaints of workplace discrimination based on protected attributes like sex, race, religion, disability, and age (40 or older). It applies to the following entities:
- U.S. employers with at least 15 employees (For age discrimination cases, must be at least 20 employees)
- Employment agencies
- Labor unions
If an investigation turns up evidence that the employer is acting illegally, the EEOC is empowered to step in and order changes. Should the employer refuse, the EEOC will escalate the matter to court.
How Do You Contact the EEOC?
If you are experiencing workplace discrimination in Indiana, you can contact the EEOC in the following ways:
- Online at the EEOC Public Portal
- In person at your nearest EEOC office
- By phone at 1-800-669-4000
- Sending mail to your closest EEOC office
EEOC Office Information in Indiana
Indianapolis District Office
- 101 West Ohio St, Ste 1900
- Indianapolis, IN 46204
- Office Hours: M-F 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
- Director: Michelle Eisele
- Regional Attorney: Kenneth Bird
How Many Days Do You Have to Contact the EEOC Office?
In Indiana, you have up to 300 calendar days to file a charge against your employer for workplace discrimination. You can do this through the EEOC or cross-file through a state agency like the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.
Indiana State Employment Laws
Under the Indiana anti-discrimination statute, which applies to workplaces with six or more employees, it is illegal for employers to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, disability, veteran status, national origin and ancestry. State law also provides wider protection for disabled employees because it does not require you to have a substantial limitation of a major life activity.
Although the state does not have a wage theft law per se, it does have a minimum wage and overtime statute that applies to employers with two or more employees in any workweek. Employers also may not ‘fine’ employees and deduct the money from their paychecks.
Conclusion
When investigating workplace discrimination charges within a given state, the EEOC partners with Fair Employment Practice Agencies (FEPAs) and the Tribal Employment Rights Offices to investigate discrimination charges. The Indiana Civil Rights Commission, which is a FEPA, has has an office in Indianapolis to assist you with your workplace discrimination case.
Few things are more upsetting and demoralizing than being discriminated against when you’re trying to make a living or build a career. An Indiana employment law attorney can help you file a charge with the EEOC and take all appropriate legal action. Although your employer may believe otherwise, you have rights that they disregard at their own professional risk.
